Rabies is a virus transmitted by the bite of infected animals. It causes brain inflammation and is fatal to animals and humans unless treated immediately after the animal bite.
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Most Common Symptoms in Animals
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The most common symptoms of rabies in animals are foaming of the mouth and aggressive and random behavior. Yet rabies generally takes on two forms: "dumb" or "furious."
Dumb Rabies
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In the "dumb" form of rabies, an animal will exhibit behavior best described as "depressed," and may also isolate himself; an animal that is typically active and aggressive may become fearful. His head may droop as part of a set of paralysis symptoms, including immobile hind legs, irregular expressions and a slack jaw.
Furious Rabies
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In cases of "furious" rabies, the animal may become overly aggressive, biting her own legs and attacking objects. These behaviors may alternate with signs of depression.
Signs of Rabies in Humans
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Symptoms of rabies infection in humans include tension, convulsions, drooling, extreme sensitivity at the site of the animal bite, excitability, fever of 102 degrees F or lower, restlessness, absence of muscle function and difficulty swallowing.
Stages of Rabies Infection in Humans
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In the prodromal phase, which lasts two to ten days, the patient may experience a fever, headaches, nausea, pain at the bite site and lethargy. In the acute neurological phase, which lasts two to seven days, the patient may become disoriented, hyperactive, weak and paralyzed.
Prevention
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The two phases are followed by a coma and, with rare exception, death. Rabies can be prevented in humans if the bite victim receives an immunization within two days of being bitten.
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